In last week’s waiver watch, I mentioned Mark Brunell (322 yds, 2 TDs), Josh McCown (394 yds, 2 TDs) and Kelly Holcomb (169 yds, 1 TD). Okay, so maybe Holcomb’s numbers aren’t going to set the world on fire, but he did revive a comatose Buffalo passing attack and, in the process, made Lee Evans (3 catches, 65 yards) and Eric Moulds (7 catches, 59 yards, TD) relevant again in the world of fantasy football.
Who should you pick up this week?
QUARTERBACKS
Matt Schaub, ATL – Michael Vick was a scratch late Sunday morning and I’m sure more than a few owners didn’t bench him in time. In one league, I managed to take him out of the lineup and even picked up Schaub, but I started Drew Brees instead and lost by 14. Had I started Schaub, I would have won by five. But the past is in the past, and it’s time to look forward. Schaub looked very solid on Sunday (298 yards, 3 TDs) and is a must-have if you already own the oft-injured Vick, even if this is the only game he starts all season.
RUNNING BACKS
Tony Fisher, GB – Ahman Green should be back after the bye week, but Fisher is now his backup and holds decent value in leagues that reward one point per reception. He caught six passes for 40 yards on Sunday and figures to get a lot of action if Green misses any more time.
Antowain Smith, NO – Deuce McAllister is out for the year with a knee injury and Smith is his primary backup. The problem is he’ll be splitting time with Aaron Stecker, who is the better receiver and figures to get a lot of action with the Saints being behind every week. Proceed with caution.
Cedric Benson, CHI – Thomas Jones rumbled for 137 yards before leaving the game with what he called a “bone bruise” in his knee. He has vowed to be back next week, but if he isn’t able to go, Benson figures to get a lot more work. I think Jones is the best back in Chicago right now, but if his injury lingers, it could be the opportunity the rookie is looking for.
Patrick Pass, NE – Pass filled in for Corey Dillon when he left Sunday with a leg injury, rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown in limited action. His value is entirely dependent on Dillon’s availability, and the Patriots are notoriously secretive about their injuries.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Joe Jurevicius, SEA – Darrell Jackson’s status wasn’t revealed until after press time last week, but had I known he (and Bobby Engram) would miss the game against the Rams, I would have listed Jurevicius as a sure pickup. I did mention him in my Week 5 preview as a player to start and he didn’t disappoint, catching nine passes for 137 yards and a score. Jurevicius should be a solid play as long as Jackson is out.
Antonio Bryant, CLE – Bryant was probably drafted in most leagues, but found his way to many waiver wires after a lackluster start. With Braylon Edwards missing some time to an injury, Bryant caught six passes for 83 yards and 2 TDs on Sunday. Bryant has all the physical tools to be a solid #2 WR in most fantasy leagues, but whether or not he’ll get the opportunity to shine in Cleveland is up for debate.